Learn The Art Of Chicken Masala: A Step-By-Step Guide

Chicken Masala is a delicious Indian curry prepared with marinated chicken, spices, and a rich tomato-onion base. The addition of cream or coconut milk makes it velvety and flavorful. Slow cooking ensures tender chicken and a perfect blend of spices. Serve it hot with rice or bread for a satisfying meal.

Chicken Masala is a classic Indian dish, loved for its rich, spicy flavors and creamy texture. The recipe begins with marinating chicken in yogurt and spices, followed by cooking it in a base of onions, tomatoes, and aromatic spices. Adding cream or coconut milk gives it a velvety finish, while fresh coriander enhances the flavor. The slow-cooking process ensures tender chicken and a well-blended masala. Perfect with rice, roti, or naan, this dish is ideal for family meals or festive occasions. Adjust spice levels to your taste for a customized experience.

Ingredients:

For the Marinade:

• 500 g chicken (bone-in or boneless)
• 1 cup yogurt
• 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt to taste

For the Masala:

• 2 tablespoons oil or ghee
• 2 medium onions (finely chopped)
• 2 medium tomatoes (pureed)
• 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1-2 green chilies (slit)
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder
• 2 teaspoons garam masala
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1/2 cup cream or coconut milk (optional for richness)
• Fresh coriander leaves (for garnish)

Steps to Make Chicken Masala

1. Marinate the Chicken:

• In a large mixing bowl, combine yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, lemon juice, and salt.
• Add the cleaned chicken pieces to the marinade and coat them evenly.
• Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or preferably 2-3 hours for deeper flavors.

2. Prepare the Base Masala:

• Heat oil or ghee in a large pan over medium heat.
• Add cumin seeds and let them sizzle. Toss in green chilies and finely chopped onions.
• Saute the onions until golden brown. This step is crucial for the flavor, so take your time.
• Add ginger-garlic paste and cook for 1-2 minutes until the raw smell disappears.

3. Add Tomatoes and Spices:

• Stir in the tomato puree and cook for 5-7 minutes until the oil separates from the masala.
• Add turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, cumin powder, and salt. Mix well.
• Cook the mixture on medium heat until the spices are fragrant.

4. Cook the Chicken:

• Add the marinated chicken pieces to the masala. Mix thoroughly to coat the chicken with the spice mixture.
• Cover and cook on medium heat for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. The chicken will release its juices and cook in its own moisture.
• If needed, add a splash of water to adjust the consistency of the gravy.

5. Enhance the Flavor:

• Once the chicken is tender, add garam masala and cream (or coconut milk) for a rich and velvety texture.
• Simmer for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.

6. Garnish and Serve:

• Turn off the heat and sprinkle fresh coriander leaves over the chicken masala.
• Serve hot with steamed rice, naan, roti, or paratha.

Tips for the Perfect Chicken Masala:

• Use fresh, high-quality spices for the best flavor.
• Marinating the chicken longer enhances the taste and makes it more tender.
• Adjust spice levels according to your preference.
• For an extra smoky flavor, you can use the "dhungar" method by placing a hot coal in a bowl over the curry, adding ghee, and covering the pan for 2-3 minutes.

Enjoy this comforting and flavorful Chicken Masala, perfect for family meals or special occasions.